Pharmacokinetics of Acetaminophen in Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

Pharmacokinetics of Acetaminophen in Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

This is a prospective study of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease, in which acetaminophen serum concentrations will be measured following a single intraoperative intravenous dose of acetaminophen. These levels will be used to develop a pharmacokinetic model. Serum concentrations will be compared between two groups of patients: (1) cyanotic patients presenting for the Fontan completion operation and (2) patients with acyanotic congenital heart disease presenting for repair via median sternotomy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients presenting for Fontan palliation or for surgical repair requiring median sternotomy, will be included in the study.
• Only patients who receive intravenous acetaminophen in the operating room will have serum levels drawn.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Documentation of an allergy to acetaminophen
• Severe hepatic disease or other contraindications to acetaminophen use
• Patient has received acetaminophen within 24 hours of their procedure